Rise in Cremations a Sign of Changing Times Says Neptune Society

    FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Changes in the American
 landscape and lifestyle are impacting the way we live as much as the way we
 pass from this world and honor the dead, says The Neptune Society, the
 largest cremation-only services company in the U.S. Cremations now account
 for over 30% of all funeral services in the U.S. according to the Cremation
 Association of North America. Some states like Nevada, Arizona, California,
 and Florida are up to over 50 per cent; Hawaii leads the U.S. in cremations
 at 66%. The national average is projected to reach close to 45% by 2025.
     The steady rise in cremations is part of an overall change in the way
 the American public looks at the funeral experience and a strong indication
 that people are less interested in the full service traditional funeral. As
 society becomes more mobile and more and more family members relocate to
 places around the United States, the value of a local cemetery has
 decreased from an emotional standpoint.
     Jerry Norman, President and CEO of The Neptune Society, explains, "As
 families become scattered because of jobs, retirements, marriages, and
 second homes, individuals and their families are realizing that cremation
 solves the economic problem of having to afford and facilitate a funeral in
 some hometown where no one lives anymore. Americans want more control and
 not to have to deal with two devastating crisis' in three days: one, the
 death; and two, an expensive funeral. "
     The movement toward cremations has been bolstered the growth of
 companies such as the Neptune Society, which was established in 1973. The
 company provides consumers with a simple, economical and dignified
 alternative to the traditional costly funeral, which can run from $7,000 to
 $10,000. The average cremation costs less than half of that. The Neptune
 Society is not owned or operated by a traditional funeral home or cemetery,
 and is the only nationwide organization to specialize in cremation-only
 services.
     Norman notes, "Cremation sets families free to have a private service
 at their convenience, where and when they choose. Clients ask for the
 remains to be delivered to them in a dignified container and then they
 celebrate the departed life during a holiday, or around some special event
 that means something. Neptune has noted that baby boomers in general want
 more control over situations like this and this demographic is choosing
 cremation in increasing proportions."
     As part of the Neptune Society's commitment to providing a new funeral
 experience, they have teamed up with visionary Gary Levine and famed
 designer/sculptor Kim Brandell to launch The Neptune Memorial Reef, a
 re-creation of the legendary Lost City of Atlantis and the largest and most
 enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. This architecturally
 sculptured reef is a first for the industry and a major step toward
 creating a unique new way for people to honor and remember their loved
 ones.
     Located 3.25 miles off the Miami Coast in 45 feet of crystal clear
 water, the Neptune Memorial Reef is a design and engineering wonder that
 will attract divers, ecologists, tourists ... and those looking for a final
 resting place of unmatched beauty. Created as much for the living and the
 ecology as it is a memorial for the deceased, the first-of-its-kind Neptune
 Memorial Reef is an environmental and ecological masterpiece.
     The Neptune Society offers the option of making arrangements for their
 direct cremation in advance, at a fraction of the cost of the typical
 funeral service. Once pre-paid, the price of the services is guaranteed.
     Norman believes that changing times and changing perspective on the
 funeral experience, make this an ideal time for the launch of The Neptune
 Memorial Reef, "The Neptune Memorial Reef provides a natural setting for
 loved ones that is also an awe-inspiring destination where family can
 gather and enjoy."
     About The Neptune Society
     A leader in alternative funeral services, The Neptune Society, Inc. is
 privately owned by the BG Capital Group, a leading merchant banking firm.
 Established in 1973, The Neptune Society and its sister company The Trident
 Society are dedicated to providing consumers with a simple, economical and
 dignified alternative to the traditional costly funeral. Today the company
 has 38 locations in 10 states -- including cremation facilities, sales
 offices, and holding facilities -- and continues to expand services
 throughout the United States. As part of the Neptune Society's commitment
 to providing a new funeral experience, they have teamed up with visionary
 Gary Levine and famed designer/sculptor Kim Brandell to launch The Neptune
 Memorial Reef, a re-creation of the legendary Lost City of Atlantis and the
 largest and most enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. Located
 3.25 miles off the Miami Coast in 45 feet of crystal clear water, the
 Neptune Memorial Reef is a design and engineering wonder that will attract
 divers, ecologists, tourists ... and those looking for a final resting
 place of unmatched beauty. The Neptune Society's corporate headquarters are
 located in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. For more information on The Neptune
 Society, please visit us at: http://www.neptunesociety.com or
 http://www.tridentsociety.com. For more information on the Neptune Memorial
 Reef, please visit: http://www.nmreef.com.
 
 

SOURCE The Neptune Society